Question about using broody hen to raise chicks

[Nafalie]

hi BYC!

I have a really quick question that I probably should have thought about it a while ago, but now I need to quickly problem solve.

I have two broody hens.

The first hen hatched her two babies about a week ago, and is separated from the rest of the flock and doing very well raising her babies!

My second hen, is hatching baby chicks right this very moment. She has a potential to hatch eight eggs, although I don’t think all of them are viable.

My question, instead of having two moms raise two sets of chicks—can I add the baby chicks that are currently hatching, to the mom and her one-week-old baby chicks?

Will she take them under her wing, or will she see them as a threat?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[50-45-1]

I would not do that.
One, the second broody would be very stressed and unhappy if you take her chicks from her, by now she knows she has chicks. The hen will cluck (talk) to her chicks before they hatch out. Chicks will know their moms voice and recognise it.
Second, the hen with 2 week olds will recognise new chicks as not hers. Maybe accept them but may reject them and do them harm. It sounds like she and her chicks could be re-itroduced to the flock.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I too would leave the chicks with the moms who hatched them.

My Bitty bantam gets very distraught if her kids aren't right there with her.